Examining the Efficacy of tDCS in the Attenuation of Epileptic Paroxysmal Discharges and Clinical Seizures

Examining the Efficacy of tDCS in the Attenuation of Epileptic Paroxysmal Discharges and Clinical Seizures

The current study examined the feasibility of High-Definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) in reducing epileptiform activity in a 30-month-old child suffering from early onset epileptic encephalopathy. HD-tDCS was administered over 10 intervention days spanning two weeks including pre- and post-intervention video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Initial diagnosis of Ohtahara syndrome/West syndrome/ Lennox-Gastaut syndrome by a pediatric neurologist using video-EEG
2. Ongoing synchronous Hypsarrhythmia
3. Modified Hypsarrhythmia with a consistent focus of paroxysmal discharges
4. Signed informed consent of parents/immediate legal guardian
5. Age 10 to 36 months
6. Infant should be in a steady state indicated by a baseline test of electrolytes and biochemistry blood test, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate, and saturation.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Metal in the cranium, skull defects, or skin lesions on scalp (cuts, abrasions, rash) at proposed electrode sites.
2. History of adverse reaction to neurostimulation
3. Significant ECG abnormality